The fourth official’s board was held up in the 76th minute, followed by a rapturous cheer by many West Ham fans, not because of the introduction of Matthew Jarvis, but for the captain’s number 4 appearing as the player who was being replaced. The cheers changed to boos within seconds as Kevin Nolan handed the armband to referee Chris Foy and began his jog off the pitch. In fairness the boos were combated with faint applauding from sections of supporters.
I personally feel it’s a sad situation when the captain of the club is getting booed. However, I found myself letting out a little cheer when Nolan’s number was shown. Undoubtedly Nolan had an almost complete non-existent game, and regularly does contribute very little when not played behind a target man. All West Ham fans know that, and they also know that the chance of Nolan being substituted is unlikely. So, that explains the reaction to the substitution being announced.
Having said that, I feel the booing was a little excessive, and as I mentioned before, sad also. Players can be booed when they show a lack of effort. This is not the case for Nolan, the formation and tactics are not suitable for him. Maybe this is why many fans felt the need to boo? More at Big Sam than Kevin.
Kevin is the captain and an excellent leader at that. What he isn’t, is a target man. The whole squad had a bad performance, and that’s full credit to Chelsea’s midfield. Two of the midfield couldn’t make it through the whole first half as they were completely outplayed and given no space or time. Jose Mourinho brought in John Obi Mikel to sit in front of the centre halves and knew it would be enough to remove Nolan from the game. Oscar would have struggled if he played for West Ham in Nolan’s role, and that’s saying something!
The booing was evident at the end of the match too. Big Sam agreed that the only way for the fans to get their disapproval through to the players and manager is on a match-day. This may bring change and we may possibly see the return of a striker in the “must win” games against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
One last point is that against the Champions League winners of 11/12 and inevitable Premier League title challengers this season, that some fans felt that booing was necessary. If the less of a tactical genius, in the shape of Martin Jol makes us look that poor against Fulham, then the booing is granted. I feel the booing was coming, but not just yet, and not against Chelsea.
Kevin Nolan is a leader and will stand up and be counted, on the pitch, in the training ground, and in the dressing room. Unfairly booed, but maybe a kick up the backside in terms of his performance, which will hopefully improve dramatically in the coming games, and with a possible change in tactics on the horizon, also.
Unfortunately we have our share of fickle fans and the same fans will be cheering when we next win. To be fair I think that’s the first booing that I’ve heard this season at UP (I’m sure it wont be the last though). We all know the problems we are having and booing and cheering players going off probably doesn’t help their confidence either despite how much they get paid they are human beings. Let’s just try and encourage the team despite how bad they may be playing. When the stadium emptied out when Chelsea’s third went in there were loads under us in the Sir Trev stand (could have been Chav Corner as well) singing “We are West Ham’s Claret and Blue Army” really loud and I was pleased that some fans tried to help the players to keep going.
Yes,
We have the right to boo we pay ridiculous prices to watch sub standard players.
Even when we do not renew contracts no other teams want our players!
yes yes yes or should I say boo boo boo tell the team to try winning ok I can take a loss but do you know what the prem table looks like roll on jan get in new stricker new def oh and yeah a new manager boo boo boo .
I do not think that Nolan is the leader on the pitch now, Mark Noble is the man that leads the way on the pitch and by example. I do not like booing but that is the only way some fans can show their feelings. Nolan for me is just a 45 minute man now, he can not keep up with the games and looks shattered after the first half. I do not understand the problem there is with Diame, why is he not a definite starter now days. Demel has never been a favourite of mine and nor is Collins this time around with us. Both of those were at fault on Saturday causing the two goals. But guaranteed Tompkins will be the one that is shifted to the bench when Reid comes back. Rant iver just my opinion
We are in trouble with no striker worth playing but even with our best eleven we are not in Chelsea or man City’s class but a few drinks in the pub and you should hear them ?, then watch them slag our team then leave early. But the Nolan haters had fun on Saturday booing a captain of whu (Shame)